The Queen Creek Town Council held a regular session on March 6, 2025, focusing on water conservation initiatives and community engagement. The meeting began with a presentation on the town's efforts to create a unified group of volunteers, residents, employees, and council members aimed at enhancing water conservation, particularly among fourth-grade students.
One of the key agenda items was the development of a new Homeowners Association (HOA) webpage, expected to launch in the coming weeks. This platform will provide educational resources, including a video tutorial on effectively utilizing the town's water fluence program to maximize water savings. The webpage will also inform residents about various conservation programs available to them.
The council discussed an incentive program designed to encourage water-efficient practices. Proposed incentives include funding for nonresidential turf conversion, residential turf conversion, and the adoption of water-efficient technologies. The town plans to seek a WIFA conservation grant to support these initiatives, requesting $500,000 for nonresidential turf conversion, $100,000 for residential conversion, and $68,000 for water-efficient technologies. The grant requires a 25% match, which the town aims to achieve through participant contributions and in-kind services.
During the discussion, it was highlighted that landscapes with over 30% grass usage consume significantly more water—averaging 400,000 gallons more per month per HOA—compared to those with less grass. This statistic underscores the potential for substantial water savings through turf conversion.
Council members raised questions regarding the effectiveness of current conservation efforts, particularly in relation to addressing leaks and engaging HOAs. It was noted that while leak repairs are essential, they may not represent a comprehensive solution to reducing overall water consumption. The council emphasized the importance of educating residents about water costs and encouraging them to advocate for conservation within their HOAs.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to explore further community engagement strategies, including workshops and outreach programs, to foster a collaborative approach to water conservation. The council expressed appreciation for the presentation and the ongoing efforts to enhance water efficiency in Queen Creek.